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Second Cape cop injured in traffic accident Saturday

Garcia remains in critical condition

By Clinton Burton, cburton@breezenewspapers.com
POSTED: June 7, 2009

A Cape Coral woman was in custody at the Lee County Detention Center Sunday after reportedly turning into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by a Cape Coral Police officer on Saturday night.

The incident was the second involving an on-duty Cape officer in less than a week.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 29-year-old Jessica Feliciano, of 619 SE 13th Ave., was headed north on Country Club Blvd. just after 7 p.m. Saturday when she attempted to make a left turn at the SE 10th Street intersection.

Feliciano, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by Officer Robert Reese as she attempted to make a left turn and the two vehicles collided, according to the FHP report.

Reese's vehicle then struck a fire hydrant, cable box and power pole, but he sustained only minor injuries the report stated.

A passenger in Feliciano's vehicle, 40-year-old Esther Roldan, also of Cape Coral, was seriously injured in the crash and taken to Lee Memorial Hospital according to the report. The woman, however, was not listed as a patient as of Sunday night.

The FHP report indicated that Feliciano, who sustained minor injuries in the collision, was also taken to Lee Memorial Hospital Saturday, but she was in custody in the Lee County Detention Center Sunday night.

According to the FHP report, Feliciano is being charged with DUI, DUI with property damage, DUI with personal injury and driving with a suspended license.

Cape police officer Damien Garcia was critically injured Tuesday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with an SUV on Cultural Park Boulevard. Garcia was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital where he remained in critical condition Sunday in the hospital's intensive care unit following a weekend of ups and downs, according to a statement released Sunday by the Cape Coral Police Department.

There were some optimistic signs on Friday afternoon when the motorcycle patrol officer displayed some positive reactions, officials said. However, on Saturday, medical staff became concerned when the pressure in Garcia's head again increased. The doctors were able to reduce the swelling, and as of Sunday evening, Garcia was holding his own and continuing his fight.

"Officer Garcia's parents have asked that we express their thanks and appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community," said Police Chief Rob Petrovich in a prepared statement. "They have been very touched by all the kind words and cards they have received from everyone."

Garcia's status is still day-to-day, officials said, and Cape police officers will continue their vigil outside his door.

Cape Coral Police Department officials asked the community to keep Officer Garcia and his family in their thoughts and prayers as he continues his fight toward recovery.

Valarie Harring contributed to this report.

 
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